I’m feeling very sad tonight for a friend, who’s husband has lost his battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Of course, no one will ever win a battle with this terrible disease – not in my lifetime anyway.

Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. 5.3 million people in this country have it. Alzheimer’s costs 172 billion dollars per year and 10.9 million caregivers are unpaid. Unpaid? Why? They are unpaid because they are caring for someone at home who is suffering from the disease.

It’s not just the Alzheimer’s victim who suffers. The family and friends suffer as well. It’s a most horrific disease. I’ve seen it’s devastating effects on people’s lives first hand. I hope to not have to experience this within my own family. It’s hard enough watching it rip friends’ lives into pieces. What can I do?

All I can do is help a friend mourn the loss of her husband and help her pick up the pieces.